Sri Lanka v England tips: Root’s men out to improve travel woes
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After the weather heavily disrupted the first ODI meetings, England will be hoping for a smoother time of things in the Test series.
The first clash gets underway in Galle on Tuesday morning. Joe Root’s side will be confident, but England have won only one Test match away from home in three years.
England coach Trevor Bayliss has some reshuffling to do too, with this series the first since Alistair Cook retired. So how will they get on?
First Test odds
Sri Lanka, on home soil and on a tricky Galle pitch, are favourites to win the opening salvo at 9/4.
England, with that lacklustre Test record on their travels are outsiders at 11/4. And with more storms and rain on the way at a venue without floodlights, a draw is Evens.
In the player markets, skipper Root is 11/4 favourite to hit the most 1st innings runs for England, with Dimuth Karunaratne 10/3 to do likewise for the hosts.
Spin bowler Adil Rashid is 3/1 to take the most 1st innings wickets for the tourists, ahead of James Anderson at 10/3.
Test Series odds
As for who wins the series, our traders really can’t call it.
Sri Lanka edge favouritism at 6/4, with England at 13/8. The draw also looks ominously priced at 9/4.
The key men
It’s all change at the top of the order for England, now that Alistair Cook has hung up his international bat and pads.
Keaton Jennings seems set to get the nod as opening batsman. The 26-year-old will have to channel Cook’s famous discipline and patience if he is to make the spot his own.
Rory Burns is expected to complete the opening partnership, with Moeen Ali at three, and Root coming in at his favoured four.
England’s other big absentee for this first Test will be Jonny Bairstow. The wicketkeeper is out with an ankle injury, and he is set to be replaced by Surrey debutant Ben Foakes.
Click here for all our Sri Lanka v England odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
